rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryRoot: in-
Latin

in-

not; without

Forms

  • in-
  • im- — Used before b, m, or p in Latin.
  • il- — Used before l in Latin.
  • ir- — Used before r in Latin.

Origin

Reconstructed Proto-Indo-European *n̥-, the unstressed negative form associated with *ne, ‘not.’

Note

Unrelated to the Latin in- meaning ‘in’ or ‘into,’ despite their matching forms.

204 / 253
An older woman sprawls across a public bench with her shoes on the adjacent seat.
noun

insolence

IN-suh-lens/ˈɪnsələns/

Rude or disrespectful behavior or speech.

Etymology
inLatinnot; without
+solenceLatinto be accustomed

The pieces originally express being “not accustomed” or unusual. Latin extended this to excess and immoderation, then haughtiness and arrogance—the bridge to disrespectful boldness.

Full entry

Related word entries